The Lakeland Hawks boys varsity basketball team (4-1) took on another challenge for the early 2023-2024 season. Taking on the Priest River Spartans(0-3) on Dec. 13, the Hawks got another early-season victory, but it did not come without a fight. The Hawks took the 70-51 victory in Priest River.
Senior Tyler Norce led the Hawks with a career-high 26 points. Senior Ben Ryan and junior Ben Roth scored 11 points each for Lakeland.
“I just ran the plays,” Roth said, “I just was more confident in myself, I suppose.”
To contradict Priest River’s ability to control the ball well, Lakeland needed to play very strong defense, but players felt that both teams were strong in driving the ball.
With resilience and determination, the team managed to get through the away game and work together as a team. Not only was this win good for the Hawks’ early record, but it was also good to show the Hawks what they will need to improve for the next games. It also showed them what their strengths are that they will be able to take advantage of in future games.
Priest River’s start to the season has not gone as well. Roth believes that the game was a battle because both teams were weak defensively, and it was an offensive game.
Only one game has been lost by the Hawks for the 2023 season, and that was a road game against West Valley. But the boys were able to take the loss to their advantage and improve and grow as a team.
“Tyler Norce played really well; he had 26 points. Overall, we did not play very good defense,” Roth said.
Speed and communication were huge factors that allowed the Hawks to work together and efficiently. Regardless of the opponent’s incredible ability to drive the ball up the court, defense was on an all-time high and turned the game around for the Hawks.
Many players on the Lakeland team say that they are looking forward most to the Battle for the Paddle game, and it motivates them to do well in games before their rivalry game against Sandpoint.
During the game, tensions were high, but Lakeland had the upper hand throughout the entire game, allowing the players to feel more confident and strive to shoot and score.
The Hawks will be hosting their next game against the Moscow Bears on Dec. 15 at 7 pm.
